蛍
ほたる
hotaru
JLPT N111 strokesKanjiLevel 96 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
蛍 is the kanji for "Firefly". It is a JLPT N1 kanji. The main reading is ほたる (hotaru). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Firefly
Also : Lightning bug
Learn 蛍 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kunほたる/ hotaruonけい/ kei
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
11 strokes
Radicals
冖虫
Example Sentences
蛍が光を放っている。
ほたるがひかりをはなっている。
Fireflies are emitting light.
蛍の光が幻想的だ。
ほたるのひかりがげんそうてきだ。
The light of the fireflies is magical.
Vocabulary using 蛍
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して～に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)～をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって～にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Plain form verb/adjective] + ものの～ものの (mono no) - Although; Even though
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ～にしろ／にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Learn 蛍 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.